I've gotten mixed advice on this one.

What's easier, dropping engine in with shorties installed, or installing shorties once engine is dropped in (Fox)?

I'm doing a bit of test fitting, wiring etc and the 302 will be in and out a few times. For now it's engine only, but final drop in will probably be engine, tranny bolted together (T5).

I'm leaning towards putting the shorties on while on the is on the stand, but an experienced Fox friend of mine said drop the engine in first, then the headers. I know long tubes are another story.

I'm looking for easiest and can put engine/tranny in separately, header on or off.

Opinions?